NBC CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ‘A WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS: FIRST FAMILIES REMEMBER,’ ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Meredith Vieira Hosts a Special Look at Christmases Past and Present in the White House, Featuring Former First Ladies and Their Children

Encore Presentation to Air Friday, December 21

NEW YORK CITY -- December 5, 2012 – NBC celebrates the holidays with unprecedented access to the most famous home in America in “A White House Christmas: First Families Remember,” on Thursday, December 20 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Before Mrs. Obama announced this year’s holiday theme, “Joy to All,” Vieira went behind the scenes with staff and volunteers to find out what it takes to prepare for the 2012 holiday season and thousands of visitors each day. The plans include the decoration of over 50 trees inside the White House, and helping the White House pastry kitchen to unveil their elaborate gingerbread house creations.

“Christmas at the White House is much more than adding lights to a tree,” said host Vieira. “Long-standing traditions are revived each year to pay tribute to seasons past, and messages of joy and hope encourage everyone, regardless of party or position, to share with family and friends all the blessings of the season.”

An encore presentation of the special will air Friday, December 21 (9-10 p.m. ET).

Nine-time Emmy Award winner Vieira joined the NBC family in September 2006 as co-anchor of “Today,” and during her five years there, Vieira covered some of the biggest news stories of recent times, including the 2008 presidential election, the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. She sat down with some of the most notable newsmakers of our time, including President Barack Obama, First Lady Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and First Lady Laura Bush. She also contributed to “Dateline NBC” as well as many NBC News specials.

In September 2011, Vieira was named to a new role as special correspondent for NBC’s "Rock Center with Brian Williams." She contributes her signature reporting for the broadcast, as well as reports for "Today," "NBC Nightly News" and other NBC News programs. Vieira also currently serves as host of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” a position she’s held since 2002.

“A White House Christmas: First Families Remember” is produced by Peacock Productions and TOMORROW Productions. Bush Hagar also serves as executive producer.